Grossmont pitcher drafted early by Toronto

7:50 p.m., June 6, 2011

EL CAJON — Grossmont High senior Joe Musgrove was following the pro baseball draft on television Monday thinking he probably wouldn’t see his name pop up on the screen.

He was wrong.

The right-handed pitcher was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the compensation round. He was the 46th player chosen overall and the only local pick among Monday’s 60 selections.

“I was thinking there was a slight chance I’d go the first day,” Musgrove said. “But honestly I’m shocked that I did. I thought it would be tomorrow (Tuesday).”

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Musgrove said he believed he would be drafted somewhere between the second or third rounds.

“I didn’t expect this high at all,” he said.

Musgrove, who was topping out at 93 mph in Saturday’s San Diego Section Division I championship game against Rancho Bernardo, said the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Orioles and Rays had expressed interest in him.

He finished his senior season with a 7-5 record, two saves, a 2.40 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 78 2/3 innings.

“I know Toronto had somebody charting me at almost every game I pitched this season,” Musgrove said. “So when they picked me I was excited more than surprised.”

Musgrove has accepted a scholarship offer to San Diego State but said he is eager to work out a deal with the Blue Jays.

“I want to finish up my senior year (he graduates June 16) and get out there in time for the start of rookie (league) ball,” Musgrove said. “This is what I’ve been working toward, so I want to sign and get going on my career.”